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NTIS

06/08/1989

Collation

12p

Abstract

m-Dinitrobenzene (m-DNB)-induced testicular atrophy has been attributed to a direct effect upon the germinal epithelium. However, such degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium should induce shifts in the testicular hormonal milieu, which would in turn alter the hypothalmic-pituitary gonadal axis in general. The study evaluated the endocrine status of male rats following a single oral dose of m-DNB (32 mg m-DNB/kg). Serum and pituitary leuteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and protactin and hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) concentrations were determined. Testosterone and androgen-binding protein concentrations in serum, interstitial fluid, seminiferous tubule fluid, and caput epididymis were also determined. In vitro basal and hCG-stimulated testosterone release was determined in the decapsulated testis. These data demonstrate that m-DNB exerts a direct effect on the testes and not through alterations in hypothalamic and pituitary control of gonadal function. (Copyright (c) 1988 Academic Press, Inc.)